NStar to pilot smart grid project in Hopkinton, Newton

State utility regulators have given the go-ahead to NStar for a pilot project that will allow 2,800 customers in Hopkinton, Newton and Jamaica Plain to monitor and reduce their energy use through high-tech "smart grid" technology.

By Staff reports

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Staff reports

Posted Mar. 18, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 18, 2010 at 6:19 PM

By Staff reports

Posted Mar. 18, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 18, 2010 at 6:19 PM

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State utility regulators have given the go-ahead to NStar for a pilot project that will allow 2,800 customers in Hopkinton, Newton and Jamaica Plain to monitor and reduce their energy use through high-tech smart grid technology.

The program will be the first of its kind in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Utilities.

The $16 million project is expected to begin soon and run through 2012. It is funded half by ratepayer charges and half by federal stimulus grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Public Utilities office said.

NStar will provide home customers with programmable thermostats and smart grid in-home technology that will enable residents to monitor and reduce their electric load during high-price peak power use periods.

The utilty company also will use web technology to send signals to customers informing them in real-time of the rate they are paying for electricity, especially during high-cost peak periods.

"Smart grid" refers to an electricity network that uses advanced in-home technology to reduce energy use during high-cost peak hours, when power plants fire up to meet demand, and facilitating the connection of renewable power sources, such as wind and solar, to the electric grid, the agency said.

NStar's project is one of four proposed by public utilities in Massachusetts, also including National Grid, Western Mass. Electric Company and Unitil. The projects were submitted through the state's Green Communities Act.